Breaking News: Changes at AutoTrader

Chip Perry, who has been with AutoTrader.com since its inception has been admired by Dealers and the AutoTrader team has announced he was leaving the Autotrader Group effective May 1. Chip served as president and CEO of AutoTrader.com, was the company’s first employee in 1997 when asked by Manheim to launch the company. Since then, AutoTrader.com has grown to become the world’s largest automotive marketplace and Chip Perry has become widely recognized as a pioneer of the online automotive industry.

Mr. Sandy Schwartz will assume the role of President of AutoTrader Group.

dE believes Mr.Schwartz will continue reporting to Mr. Jim Hayes the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cox Enterprises. Sandy Schwartz became President of Manheim in mid 2011. Before Manheim, Mr. Schwartz served as President of Cox Media Group.

In researching Mr. Schwartz's business history we believe he joined Cox in 1985 and served in many functions including President of Cox Arizona Publishing, Executive Vice President of the Austin American-Statesman, Vice President and General Manager of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Executive Vice President of Cox Newspapers and Vice President of business development for Cox Enterprises.

Mr. Schwartz’s automotive experience has been limited other then working with AutoTrader. He served as President of Cox AutoTrader, comprised of both AutoTrader.com and AutoTrader Publishing. He also has been on the board of AutoTrader.com for several years.

Replies to This Discussion

Chip has done an amazing job at growing this incredible brand in todays marketplace. For a person who was running a billion dollar business, he is always approachable,returns your calls, he understands his customers and has been an excellent leader and ambassador in supporting the Automotive industry. I will always be personally grateful for the one-on-one time with Chip. He is a true leader that I will always admire and attempt to emulate his behaviors when leading our Team at the Kelly Automotive group.

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